So Many Puppies: AZ Humane In 'Desperate Need' Of Foster Homes

PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona Humane Society's maternity suite is brimming with momma dogs and their puppies, so the society is looking for foster families to lend a helping hand.

Right now the society is housing four mother dogs and 17 puppies that were transferred from other shelters through its partner assistance program called Project Reachout. Those who are interested can apply here to become a humane society foster parent.

Most shelters aren't equipped to care for young puppies and their mother, said Kelsey Dickerson, media relations specialist for the humane society. The Arizona Humane Society opened its maternity suites in 2017, where mother dogs and puppies have a quiet, medically-supervised space. Many shelters just don't have the capacity to keep puppies for eight weeks until they're weened and can be spayed or neutered, Dickerson said, so the humane society takes transfers of mothers and puppies from those shelters when it can.

"It's a great community effort to save these animals," Dickerson said.

But right now, after a few busy weeks at the suite, the shelter is looking for foster families to give temporary homes to the mothers and puppies so it can take in more. There are currently three mother dogs with huge litters waiting for spots in the maternity suites, Dickerson said.

Fostering puppies and their mothers gives dog-lovers a chance to watch the puppies' journey from opening their eyes for the first time, learning how to use their legs and being weened from their mothers.

"To be part of their journey and to be able to save lives is precious and such a gift," Dickerson said.

Taking in moms and puppies also gives foster families a chance to experience the joy of puppies without permanently taking in nine dogs at once, she added.

For those who aren't able to take in a whole family of dogs at once, there are plenty of other foster opportunities through the society as well. Dickerson promised that the society can accommodate fostering for any lifestyle and schedule, and added that even taking in a pet for a few days would make a difference.

Mothers and puppies looking for foster families:

• Cupid is a 1-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier with eight puppies that are four weeks old. Cupid and her puppies are looking for separate foster homes.
• Donna is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with seven puppies who are one week old. They're looking for a foster home where they can stay together.
• Tinky Winky is a 2-year-old shepherd mix with six-week-old puppies Po and Dipsy. They are looking for separate foster homes.
• Maisie Mae is a pregnant 3-year-old German Shepherd looking for a foster home of her own.

The humane society provides foster families with everything they need to care for their foster animals including medical care, food, toys and blankets.